Marianne Crielle G.

Vitug
IV AB Political Science

SA 113
January 27, 2015
Gender and Migration

The BRIDGE Bulletin establishes that gender and migration are inextricably linked,
firstly because at least half of all migrants are women. This means that migration either
has the capacity reinstate and strengthen gender roles or uproot and challenge these
stereotypes. The accomplishment of the latter requires further research on the connections
between gender, development, and migration, as well as better crafted policies regarding
these matters. Priority should be given to the policies that look after the health, education,
and employment of these migrants.
The text encourages a gendered human rights approach, which entails lawmaking
that is not just concerned with the economic aspect, but with culture, human rights, and
equality as well. Some examples given in line with this approach were pre-departure
trainings for men and women regarding what to expect in their destination countries and
the signing of memoranda between the sending and receiving countries. The former allows
a more level playing field for the migrants, as both sexes will be informed of their rights as
workers, while the latter ensures those rights on the state level.
Migrants are often some of the most vulnerable individuals of a society. The
conditions under which they work are difficult to regulate, and their rights are easily
violated by their employers. Sending countries are often criticized for their inability to do
anything regarding the plight of their own people. This is why it is of utmost importance for
receiving countries to also be vigilant as to how migrants are being treated, in order to
ensure their rights are being upheld. However, the weight of the responsibility is still on the
shoulders of the sending countries, as the rights of their people do not end when they
leave their places of origin. This means that they must do their best to track their citizens
and protect their inalienable rights.
Women are even more vulnerable, as evidenced by how stories of abuse and sex
trafficking abound. The embassies of countries must take the extra effort to seek out these
individuals and know their status. They must also ensure the immediate availability of
services that cater to their health and education, as these migrants often have no one else
to turn to in their times of need. With proper legislation, women can view their migration as
opportunities of empowerment, as it can often serve as an avenue for economic stability
and autonomy. This will only happen if their basic rights are secured from the onset.